Camp Galileo: Inspiring Creativity

Photo credit: Galileo Learning

If you knew of a program that could give your child the tools to be creative, to be an inventor, to be an innovator, would you send them? I was recently introduced to a camp that believes they can do just that, Camp Galileo. And you know what, I believe they can too.

Before I share about this camp, there are a few things you should know. I was asked if I would do a series of posts on my site in return for free camp tuition. Most of you know I rarely do reviews. I don't write posts just so I can get freebies either. It really has to be something I believe in and something I think you can benefit from. The reason I'm writing about this camp is because their mission and philosophy is truly at the core of what I believe. To develop innovators who envision and create a better world.

When I visited the Galileo Learning website, I was impressed with the classes: Digital Photography, Fashion Design, Inventors, Go Kart Makers, Video Game Design, and Lego Robotics just to name a few. My inner child was screaming, "I want to take these classes! Oh-My-Gosh, is she making an orange leather dress? Where were these classes when I was a child?!" I thought this was a pretty cool camp but I really didn't grasp what they were trying to accomplish until I visited their headquarters. I believe after reading this, it will give you a new perspective on how you look at camp and what you want your children to gain from it.

Galileo Learning is an education summer camp for Pre-K through 8th grade located in the Bay Area, CA. They offer four camps which include Camp Galileo, Galileo Summer Quest, The Tech Summer Camps, and Chabot Space & Science Camp. I'm not going to get into the class activities today but rather what they are trying to accomplish through them.

Like most camps, they started out with a focus on activities and soon realized their true vision was on teaching a deeper level of skills to children. Now if you're like me, you're thinking that sounds great but how are you going to accomplish this?

During my meeting with the staff, I learned about their Galileo Innovation Approach. This approach is integrated into the camp curriculum or art, science and outdoor play. I could write about it but I think these graphics will explain it better.

(click on images for a larger view)

But they didn't just give examples of what their approach was. They also gave examples of how the children were using these skills after camp. One example was given of a kindergartner that dropped her ball down a storm drain. She came to her mom and told her about the problem and that she had created a plan for getting it out. It was obvious to the parent that camp Galileo had given her daughter the confidence to problem solve for real life. Before camp, the girl probably would have just asked her mother to get the ball instead.

After taking everything in, I knew this was something I wanted my kids to be involved in. Galileo Learning's philosophy spoke to what I've been trying to teach and instill in my children; they are creative and they have the power to turn their ideas into reality.

So I'm curious, have you ever heard of a camp like this before? What do think of their approach? I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions. I'll be responding back in the comments.

If this camp sounds like something you would be interested in, please visit the Galileo Learning site for more information. They also have a lot of great deals going on such as refer a friend and save $40.